Patent Application
20190097359
The invention relates to the field of manufactured radio frequency devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to radio frequency shields for use in association with a coaxial connector.
Typical coaxial cable features will be known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, an embodiment includes a center conductor 220 surrounded by a dielectric material 222, the dielectric material being surrounded in turn by one or two shields 224 such as a metallic foil wrapped in a metallic braid. An outer insulative jacket 226 such as a polyvinylchloride jacket encloses the conductors.
As seen, the open end of the splice 207 provides an opportunity for unwanted RF ingress 208. In particular, unwanted RF ingress 206 is shown entering an exposed end of the splice 207 where it is conducted by a CATV signal conductor 204 through the connector and to a signal conductor 220 of the attached CATV coaxial cable.
Within and at opposed ends of the cylindrical body 304 are insulators 306, 308, each having a central cavity 310, 312 for receiving opposed ends 316, 318 of a tubular seizing pin 394. Resilient tines located in each end of the seizing pin 370, 372 provide a means for making a secure electrical contact with a conductor (not shown) inserted in either end of the seizing pin. Splice internals are typically fixed in place by rolling an end of the body 324. In some embodiments, rolling a body end 324 or an interference fit fixes an annular plug 323 adjacent to the second end insulator 312.
The bulkhead port 400A has a mount 403 at one end that may be separate from or include portions of a device/equipment bulkhead or portion(s) thereof. The mount supports the bulkhead port at a base 417. A contact trailing portion 401 passes through a hole in a base insulator 406 and then through a passageway in the base. An airgap and/or insulator may be used to electrically isolate the contact trailing portion from electrically conductive mount.
These prior art devices may frequently be found inadequately shielded as proliferation of RF devices such as cellular telephones crowd RF spectra and increase the chances RF ingress will adversely affect interconnected systems using coaxial cable such as cable television and satellite television signal distribution systems.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art have recognized that in cable television and satellite television systems (“CATV”), reduction of interfering radio frequency (“RF”) signals improves signal to noise ratio and helps to avoid saturated reverse amplifiers and related optical transmission that is a source of distortion.
Past efforts have limited some sources of the ingress of interfering RF signals into CATV systems. These efforts have included increased use of traditional connector shielding, multi-braid coaxial cables, connection tightening guidelines, increased use of traditional splitter case shielding, and high pass filters to limit low frequency spectrum interfering signal ingress in active home CATV systems.
Connectors used for home coaxial cable installations include F, IEC, MCX, and PAL type connectors. For example, in the home one will typically find a wall mounted female coaxial connector or a coaxial cable drop splitter or isolator for supplying a signal to the TV set, cable set-top box, or internet modem.
A significant location of unwanted RF signal and noise ingress into CATV systems is in the home. This occurs where the subscriber leaves a CATV connection such as a wall-mounted connector or coaxial cable drop connector disconnected/open. An open connector end exposes a normally metallically enclosed and shielded signal conductor and can be or contribute to a significant source of unwanted RF ingress.
As shown above, a CATV signal is typically supplied to a room via a wall mounted connector or in some cases a simple cable drop. These and similar cable interconnection points provide potential sources of unwanted RF signal ingress into the CATV system. As will be appreciated, multiple CATV connections in a home increase the likelihood that some connections will be left unused and open, making them a source of unwanted RF ingress. And, when subscribers move out of a home, CATV connections are typically left open, another situation that invites RF ingress in a CATV distribution system.
Known methods of eliminating unwanted RF ingress in a CATV system include adding a metal cover over each unused coaxial connector in the home or, adding a metal cover over the feeder coaxial connection at the home network box. But, the usual case is that unused home CATV connections are left active and without covers, a practice the cable television operators and the industry have accepted in lieu of making costly service calls associated with new tenants and/or providing the CATV connections in additional rooms.
The inventor's work in this area suggests current solutions for reducing unwanted RF ingress and egress resulting from open connectors are not successful and/or not widely used. Therefore, to the extent the CATV industry comes to recognize a need to further limit interfering RF ingress into CATV systems, it is desirable to have connectors that reduce RF ingress when they are left open.
Prior art exists which attempts to accomplish this goal but is frequently found to be prohibitively expensive, impractical, or unreliable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,113 filed Oct. 9, 2009, discloses electronics that differentially cancel noise common to both the center conductor and shield and requires an electric power source. Such methods are relatively expensive compared with at least some embodiments of the present invention. They also have reliability limitations due to added electrical components such as semiconductors and/or passive devices.
The present invention provides a shield against unwanted radio frequency (“RF”) signal transfer in coaxial cable installations. Shielding devices of the present invention include disconnect switches and electromagnetic radiation shields including waveguides adapted to function in conjunction with coaxial cable connectors.
Electromagnetic shields include waveguides and devices causing electric charges within a metallic shield to redistribute and thereby reduce the field's effects in a protected device interior. Further, connector interior spaces can be shielded from particular external electromagnetic radiation when suitable material(s) and connector/shield geometries are used. Notably, various embodiments shield against both of signal ingress and signal egress.
Applications include cavity openings and exposed conductors that are to be shielded from ingress, or in cases, egress, of particular RF signals or noise with appropriate shielding designs. Shields incorporating a disconnect switch may isolate a conductor otherwise exposed to unwanted RF signals. Shields incorporating a waveguide may isolate a conductor in a connector body chamber using perforated metallic structures such as plates, discs, screens, fabrics, perforated plates, and perforated discs. Waveguides may be referred to as filters tending to attenuate and/or reject passage of particular frequencies.
In the context of a coaxial cable connector, connector internal conductors or portions thereof may act as antennas to receive unwanted RF signals and/or noise via connector body openings or via exposed connectors.
Coaxial cable connectors can be shielded from unwanted RF ingress even when a coaxial cable connector end is left open, for example when a female port or connector end is left open. In various embodiments, unwanted RF ingress is restricted in a coaxial connector by, inter alia, employing disconnect switches and/or waveguides in suitable connector geometries.
Further considering coaxial connector waveguides, they are typically electrical conductors such as plates and annular structures. They may be discs and in particular generally circular discs. Waveguides may be made from fabrics such as meshes and weaves. Exemplary waveguides are made from an electrically conducting material and have opening size(s) and thickness(es) that are effective to preferentially block RF ingress such as RF ingress in a particular frequency band. Suitable waveguide materials generally include a) conductors and b) non-conductors intermingled, commixed, coated, and/or impregnated with conductors.
Incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes are the exemplary shield technologies described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,977 to inventor Preonas, including in particular the shields of Preonas' FIGS. 2 and 3 and shield design considerations of Peronas' FIG. 4. As skilled artisans will recognize, analytical shield and waveguide design methods are generally available and include code incorporating Faraday's Law and finite element modeling techniques. Use of these well-known tools by skilled artisans will typically provide good approximations of shield design variables for particular specifications including waveguide aperture size, thickness, and choice of material.
Inventor experiments on some prototype waveguide designs generally showed a) increasing waveguide thickness tended to increase connector impedance and b) increasing aperture size tended to reduce RF shielding.
Embodiments of the present invention mitigate problematic RF ingress into CATV distribution systems from inadequately shielded and/or open ended coaxial cable connectors subject to unwanted RF transfer. Embodiments of the invention limit unwanted RF signal transfer into media and media distribution systems such as CATV distribution systems.
As will be appreciated, embodiments of the invention disclosed herein have application in various frequency bands and for various signal types. Embodiments provide waveguides made with suitable material(s), hole size(s), and thickness(es) for mitigating unwanted signal ingress in selected frequency bands.
Embodiments of the invention provide for waveguides with a generally annular structure and incorporating RF shielding material for shielding against undesired ingressing, or, in cases, egressing signals at frequencies in ranges below 100 MHz and at frequencies beyond 100 MHz reaching at least 2150 MHz. Waveguide aperture shapes may be circular, polygonal, curved, multiple curved, and the like. Aperture sizes include those with opening areas equivalent to circular diameters of 1.5 to 3 mm and aperture thicknesses include thicknesses in the range 0.5 to 2.0 mm. In some implementations, connectors with waveguides utilize apertures that are integral with a connector body or a disc/barrier that is within a portion of the connector such as a disk/barrier placed inside a connector body at or aft of a connector body entry but before a connector coaxial cable center conductor contact to be shielded. Suitable waveguide materials and structures include those known to skilled artisans such as metal waveguides and waveguides that incorporate surface and/or internal shielding materials including those described below.
An embodiment of the invention provides an aperture 2.0 to 3.5 mm with a nominal thickness between 0.5 to 1.5 mm. This combination of hole size and thickness acts as a waveguide restricting ingress of selected frequencies, for example frequencies below100 MHz, by 20-40 dB (in some cases 1/100 of the signal) of that of an open-ended port such as an F port.
The combination of sizes serves to restrict the ingress while only minimally reducing the impedance of the operational connector interface. The reduced impedance match (sometimes characterized in terms of return loss) of the invention remains within limits acceptable to the CATV industry. As the aperture size grows beyond 3.5 mm, there is typically less shielding against unwanted signals a CATV connector entry.
Restriction of radio frequency (“RF”) signal ingress may be for particular frequency ranges such as restricting frequencies in the range of kilohertz to gigahertz. For example, restricting ingress of signals interfering with CATV including cable and satellite television equipment may require restricting signals in the frequency range of about 1 MHz to 1000 MHz.
Because ingress restriction devices may change a coaxial connector's characteristic impedance, for example 75 Ohm devices, filter and switch geometry may be varied to balance filtering performance while maintaining a desired characteristic impedance within an acceptable range, for example within a plus/minus 10 Ohm range.
By selecting filtering performance related dimensions and materials, embodiments of the present invention reduce stray signal ingress while maintaining return loss performance. For example, embodiments maintain the Society of Cable Television Engineer's (“SCTE”) recommended minimum return loss of 20 dB.
Applicant notes that in telecommunications, return loss is the loss of signal power resulting from the reflection caused by a discontinuity in a transmission line. This discontinuity can be a mismatch with the terminating load or with a device inserted in the line.
Return loss is usually expressed in decibels dB
where RL (dB) is the return loss in dB, Pi is the incident power and Pr is the reflected power. Return loss is related to both standing wave ratio (SWR) and reflection coefficient (F). Increasing return loss corresponds to lower SWR. Return loss is a measure of how well devices or lines are matched. A match is good if the return loss is high. A high return loss is desirable and results in a lower insertion loss.
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reducing RF cable interconnection ingress and/or egress. In various embodiments, unwanted coaxial connector and/or coaxial connection RF transfer is reduced by including a filter such as a waveguide and/or a switch such as a connector center conductor switch.
A purpose of some embodiments of the invention is to maximize the RF shielding or ingress at low frequency while providing a good impedance match of the connector interface during operation. The inventor found that the thickness of the end surface or shield disc can also be an important factor in some embodiments. For example, thicknesses in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm were found to be effective in blocking frequencies under 100 MHz.
An embodiment of the invention uses a 2 mm aperture. And, some embodiments use tuned slots in addition to the 2 to 3.5 mm aperture. These slots or waveguide bars may be added to the port end surface or to an internal shield disc for attenuation of particular frequencies.
An embodiment of the invention uses a shield disc from a polymer or ceramic material that can be coated or impregnated with a magnetic material active at specific frequencies. In addition to being homogeneously mixed with the ceramic or polymer, the material can be deposited or sputtered on the shield disc surface in different thicknesses or patterns to better affect specific frequencies. The shield may be a combination of waveguide and sputters or deposited material to more economically produce the shield. Discs made of two or more materials can be described as hybrid discs.
In various embodiments, the invention comprises: an outer connector body; a female end of the connector is for engaging a male coaxial cable connector; the connector female end having a waveguide with an aperture for receiving a center conductor; wherein the diameter of the aperture is in the range 1.3 mm to 3.0 mm; and, wherein the waveguide is configured to shield selected connector body internals from ingress of radio frequency signals in the range of 10 to 100 MHz, in the range of 10 to 1000 MHz, and in the range of 10 to 2150 MHz.
And, in some embodiments, the connector further comprises: a waveguide surface; the waveguide surface bordering the aperture and an aperture centerline about perpendicular to the waveguide surface; the thickness of a waveguide surface measured along a line parallel to the aperture centerline is not less than 0.5 mm; and, the thickness of the waveguide surface measured along a line parallel to the aperture centerline is not more than 1.5 mm.
And, in some embodiments, the diameter of the waveguide aperture and the thickness of the waveguide are selected in a manner consistent with achieving a connector impedance of 75 ohms. And, in some embodiments, the connector further comprises: a rim of the connector body; and, the waveguide is formed by the rim. And, in some embodiments the connector alternatively comprises: a rim or shoulder of the connector body; and, the waveguide formed by a disc held in place by the rim.
And, in various embodiments, the invention comprises: an outer connector body; a female end of the connector is for engaging a male coaxial cable connector; the connector female end having a waveguide with an aperture for receiving a center conductor; the diameter of the aperture is not less than two times the diameter of the center conductor; the diameter of the aperture is not more than 4 times the diameter of the center conductor; and, wherein the waveguide is configured to shield selected connector body internals from ingress of radio frequency signals in the range of 10 to 100 megahertz, 10 to 1000 megahertz, and 10 to 2150 megahertz while maintaining a nominal connector impedance of 75 ohms.
And, in some embodiments, the connector further comprises: a waveguide surface; the waveguide surface bordering the aperture and an aperture centerline about perpendicular to the waveguide surface; the thickness of a waveguide surface measured along a line parallel to the aperture centerline is not less than 0.5 mm; and, the thickness of the waveguide surface measured along a line parallel to the aperture centerline is not more than 1.5 mm.
And, in some embodiments, the connector further comprises: wherein the diameter of the aperture and the thickness of the waveguide are selected in a manner consistent with achieving a connector impedance of 75 ohms. And, in some embodiments, the connector further comprises: a rim of the connector body. And, in some embodiments, the connector alternatively comprises: a rim of the connector body; and, the waveguide formed by a disc held in place by the rim.
Yet other embodiments of the invention comprise a female connector with a body hole or separate entry disc hole opening from 1.5 to 3 mm port with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the disc is made from a metallic material and in some embodiments the disc is made from a metallically impregnated polymer or ceramic material. Some embodiments of the disc are made with additional waveguide slots and some embodiments of the disc are made including one or more of a polymer, ceramic, or fiberglass material for example with a sputtered or etched magnetic material on the surface.
The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain its principles enabling a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention.
The disclosure provided herein describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.
Unless otherwise stated, as used herein the term “coupled” includes direct and indirect connections. As such, where first and second devices are coupled, intervening devices including active devices may be located therebetween.
As shown, the waveguide 504 is located within a body or tube 502. For example, the waveguide might be positioned at or near one end of the body. For example, the waveguide might be positioned in a position intermediate between the ends of the body such as near the midpoint of a line extending between the ends of the body.
Also shown are center conductors 508, 509. Center conductor 508 is substantially to one side 511 of the waveguide 504 and center conductor 509 is substantially to the other side 513 of the waveguide. One or both of the center conductors 508, 509, may be part(s) of the connector 501. In various embodiments, one of the center conductor ends may be located in the waveguide aperture.
As skilled artisans will recognize, the center conductors 508, 509 conduct electrical signals. These conducted signals may be present because of a physical or an electrical interconnection with the signal source. Signals may also be present in the conductor because the conductor receives, like an antenna, RF signal(s).
When a center conductor that is electrically interconnected with signal processing equipment is disconnected or “open” at one end, the disconnected end can become an antenna for RF signals. For example, if center conductor 508 is electrically connected with a CATV distribution system, then RF signals that reach center conductor 508 are subsequently electrically conducted to the distribution system. Such random signal ingress is generally undesirable.
A properly sized waveguide reduces ingress when it substantially prevents undesired signals from crossing the waveguide or passing through the waveguide aperture. In the example of
To the extent the adjacent center conductor 509 radiates undesirable RF signals, a properly sized waveguide 504 separating the center conductors 508, 509 shields the adjacent center conductor 508 and attenuates undesirable signals that would otherwise reach the CATV distribution system largely unattenuated.
In various embodiments the center conductors 508, 509 are signal conductors while the body 502 and interconnected waveguide 504 are typically ground conductors. As such, the connector 501 may be constructed, as shown, such that the signal conductors and ground conductors are electrically isolated.
Because one of the center conductors 508, 509 may risk contact with the waveguide 504 due to proximity and/or due to movement with respect to the body 502, some embodiments of the connector 501 include a waveguide insulator 553 for maintaining electrical isolation.
Such an insulator may cover surface(s) of the waveguide 519 perpendicular to a center conductor 508, 509 and/or the bore 517 of the aperture 504. For example, the figure shows an insulator 553 having a planar portion 572 covering the perpendicular surface. The insulator also includes a neck portion 574 that is inserted into the aperture bore. In an exemplary configuration, this arrangement guards against contact of a center conductor 509 (such as a moving center conductor) with either of the facing waveguide surface 519 and/or the aperture bore 517.
In other embodiments, the waveguide 504 need not have a cylindrical shape. For example a non-cylindrical waveguide might be used for mating with a non-cylindrical support extending from the connector body or where a connector body accommodates a waveguide of a different shape such as a polygonal or other non-circular shape.
The figure illustrates thickness and aperture size ranges tested in connection with rejecting unwanted signals in the frequency band 100 MHz and below. Region 1 is bounded by aperture sizes d11 of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 mm and waveguide thicknesses t11 of approximately 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Notably, beneficial rejection of unwanted signals in the frequency spectrum between 100 MHz and 2150 MHz has also been observed.
Several waveguides with dimensions in Region 1 were found to be useful for blocking unwanted RF ingress typical of CATV applications. For example, in various embodiments an F female connector is shielded to restrict RF transfer at frequencies below 100 MHz while allowing the connector to mate with a male coaxial connector with insignificant degradation of a desired 75 ohm impedance.
Here, the 0.3 to 1000 MHz and in particular the 700-800 MHz frequency band is of interest due to cellular telephone signal ingress such as 4G and/or LTE phone signal ingress in a cell phone/CATV an overlapping (700-800 MHz) frequency range. Region 2 is bounded by aperture sizes of approximately 1.5 to 3 mm and waveguide thicknesses of approximately 0.5 to 2 mm.
A stationary contact assembly 604 is near a first end of the body 608 and a movable contact assembly 606 is near a second end of the body 610. The stationary contact assembly is at least partially within the body 602 and the movable contact assembly is only partially within the body such that a biasing force Fb acting on the movable contact assembly tends to separate a stationary contact 605 of the stationary contact assembly and a movable contact 607 of the movable contact assembly. In various embodiments, a front support 612 fixedly couples the stationary contact assembly to the body while a rear support enables motion of the movable contact relative to the body. For example, a sliding contact rear support 614 enables the movable contact to slide relative to the body. And, in various embodiments one or both of the front and rear supports provide an electrical insulating barrier between the body 602 and at least one of the contacts 605, 607.
A feature of this connector is seen in
As skilled artisans will appreciate, the series disconnect switch illustrated in
The shielding devices of
A disconnect switch includes a stationary conductor 704 and a moving conductor 706 carried by the nose 713. A stationary conductor end such as a terminal 734 protrudes from the body second end 709 and a moving conductor end such as a socket736 accessible via a nose opening 714 is urged to protrude from the body first end 708. A stationary conductor contact 724 is adjacent to a moving conductor contact 726 and these contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 713 which operates the disconnect switch.
A waveguide 710 with a central aperture 712 is electrically coupled to the body 702. The waveguide is located within the body and divides first 719 and second 721 body chambers. The moving and stationary conductors are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose advances the moving conductor contact 726 through the waveguide aperture 712.
Shown adjacent to the port 701 is an exemplary male connector 790 for engagement with the first end of the port. The male connector includes a center conductor 796, a connector body 794, and a fastener 792. When engagement occurs, the male connector center conductor 796 enters the nose access-way 714 and contacts the moving conductor exposed end 736. In addition, the nose 713 is depressed as the male connector pushes the nose into the body 702. This mating process advances the moving conductor contact 726 through the aperture 712 and closes the disconnect switch.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In some embodiments, the nose provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Examples include a metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 701 is not mated, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 706, 704 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 726, 724 within the aperture when the connector nose 713 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 726 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 726, 724 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 713 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 726 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 724 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
A disconnect switch includes a centrally located stationary conductor 704 and a centrally located moving conductor 706 carried by the nose 713. The stationary conductor extends 734 from a nose directed end 724 toward 785 the second body end. The moving conductor is carried by the nose and has opposed outward and inward ends 736, 726 protruding from opposed outward and inward sides 735, 725 of the nose.
The stationary conductor nose directed end 724 provides a contact such as a socket and the moving conductor inward end provides a mating contact such as a pin 726. These contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 713 which operates the disconnect switch.
A waveguide 710 is electrically coupled to the body 702. The waveguide is located within the body and divides first 719 and second 721 body chambers. The moving and stationary conductors are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose advances the moving conductor contact 726 through the waveguide aperture 712.
Shown adjacent to the connector 703 is an exemplary female coaxial connector 791 for engaging the male connector 703. The female connector includes a center conductor 797, a connector body 793 and a connector forward end 795. When engagement of the connectors occurs, the male connector center conductor outward end 736 engages the female connector center conductor and the forward end of the female connector 795 pushes the male connector nose 713 into the body. As the nose 713 is depressed the moving conductor inward contact 726 is advanced through the aperture 712 such that the disconnect switch is closed when the moving conductor inward contact mates with the stationary contact nose directed end 724.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In some embodiments, the nose provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Examples include a metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 703 is not mated, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 706, 704 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 726, 724 within the aperture when the connector nose 713 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 726 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 726, 724 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 713 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 726 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 724 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
A disconnect switch includes a stationary conductor 704 and a moving conductor 706 carried by the nose 713. A stationary conductor end such as a socket 767 extends from a conductor link 765 and is located near a connector entryway 711 in the connector second end 709. A moving conductor end such as a socket 736 accessible via a nose opening 714 is urged to protrude from the body first end 708. A stationary conductor contact 724 extends from the link 765 and is adjacent to a moving conductor contact 726 and these contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 713 which operates the disconnect switch.
A waveguide 710 is electrically coupled to the body 702. The waveguide is located within the body and divides first 719 and second 721 body chambers. The moving and stationary conductors are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose advances the moving conductor contact 726 through the waveguide aperture 712.
Shown adjacent to the connector 705 is an exemplary male connector 790 for engagement with the first end of the connector 705. The male connector includes a center conductor 796, a connector body 794, and a fastener 792. When engagement occurs, the male connector center conductor 796 enters the nose access-way 714 and contacts the moving conductor exposed end 736. In addition, the nose 713 is depressed as the male connector pushes the nose into the body 702. This mating process advances the moving conductor contact 726 through the aperture 712 and closes the disconnect switch.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In some embodiments, the nose provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Examples include a metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 701 is not mated, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF between the moving and stationary conductors 706, 704 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 726, 724 within the aperture when the connector nose 713 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 726 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals.
The connector 800A also includes insulating part(s) that isolate the moving conductor 806 from the body 802. For example, a nose 813 or portions of the nose may be electrical insulators.
The connector body 802 has a first end 808 extending toward 885 a second end (not shown). The nose 813 is urged by a force to protrude from the first end 808 of the body. In various embodiments, the force may be provided by a resilient member such as a resilient solid or material, spring, gas charged device, or the like. In an embodiment a coil spring 889 encircles the moving conductor 806 and is located between the waveguide 810 and the body first end 808.
The nose 813 carries the moving conductor 806 in a nose cavity 881. In some embodiments the nose includes a nose internal cap 883 on which a spring such as the coil spring 889 bears.
A disconnect switch includes the stationary conductor 804 and the moving conductor 806. In various embodiments, the stationary conductor is electrically isolated from the connector body 802 via an insulating member such as an adjacent or supporting and/or substantially annular insulator 876.
The stationary conductor 804 includes a link or terminal portion 834 that extends toward 885 a second body end. The moving conductor 806 includes a socket 836 near the first body end 808. The socket 836 is accessible via a nose central passage or entryway 814 seen in an outer face 878 of the nose.
A stationary conductor contact such as a socket 824 adjoining the link 834 is adjacent to a moving conductor contact such as a pin 826 and these contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 813 which operates the disconnect switch. As seen, as the nose is depressed, the spring 889 is compressed.
An exemplary waveguide 810 is electrically coupled to the body 802 and/or to a similar electromagnetic shield either within or without the body. As shown, a stand-off 874 spaces a gap between a waveguide aperture plate 872 and the stationary conductor insulator 876 to form a body chamber 819. The stand-off may be integral with the waveguide or not.
As shown, the waveguide 810 is located within the body 802 and divides first 819 and second 821 body chambers. Here and elsewhere, a waveguide dividing a connector body into similar separate chambers may be referred to as a midbody waveguide. The moving and stationary conductors 806, 804 are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose 813 advances the moving conductor contact 826 through the waveguide aperture 812.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors 804, 806 include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body 802 (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide 810 includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s).
In some embodiments, the nose 813 provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Exemplary electromagnetic shields include a nose metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 800A is not mated, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 806, 804 and the disconnect switch attenuates or stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 826, 824 within the aperture when the connector nose 813 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 826 may be so positioned (as shown). Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 826, 824 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 813 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 826 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 824 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
The connector 900A also includes insulating part(s) that isolate the moving conductor 906 from the body 902. For example, a nose 913 or portions of the nose may be electrical insulators.
The connector body 902 has a first end 908 and a second end 909. The nose 913 is urged by a force to protrude from the first end 908 of the body. In various embodiments, the force may be provided by a resilient member such as a resilient solid or material, spring, gas charged device, or the like. In an embodiment a coil spring 989 encircles the moving conductor 906 and is located between the waveguide 910 and the body first end 908.
The nose 913 carries the moving conductor 906 in a nose cavity 981. In some embodiments the nose includes a nose internal cap 983 on which a spring such as the coil spring 989 bears.
A disconnect switch includes the stationary conductor 904 and the moving conductor 906. In various embodiments, the stationary conductor is electrically isolated from the connector body 902 via an insulating member(s) such as an adjacent or supporting and/or substantially annular insulator 945, 946. In some embodiments, the insulating member provides a cavity 948 holding the stationary conductor.
The stationary conductor 904 includes a link portion 934 that extends to a contact such as a socket 943 for receiving a mating center conductor via an insulator 944 passage or entryway 947. The moving conductor 906 includes a socket 936 near the first body end 908. The socket 936 is accessible via a nose central passage or entryway 914 seen in an outer face 978 of the nose.
A stationary conductor contact such as a socket 941 adjoining the link 934 is adjacent to a moving conductor contact such as a pin 926 and these contacts selectively mate or inter-engage according to positioning of the nose 913 which operates the disconnect switch.
An exemplary waveguide 910 is electrically coupled to the body 902 and/or to a similar electromagnetic shield either within or without the body. First 919 and second 921 body chambers are located to either side of the waveguide.
As shown, the waveguide 910 is located within the body 902. The moving and stationary conductors 906, 904 are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose 913 advances the moving conductor contact 926 through the waveguide aperture 987.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors 904, 906 include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body 902 (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide 910 includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s).
In some embodiments, the nose 913 provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Exemplary electromagnetic shields include a nose metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector nose 913 is not depressed 900A, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 906, 904 and the disconnect switch attenuates or stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 926, 924 within the aperture when the connector nose 913 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 926 may be so positioned (as shown). Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 926, 924 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 913 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 926 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 924 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
The connector body 1002 extends from a first end such as a male connector mating end or fastener end 1008 to a second end such as a coaxial cable entry end 1009. In various embodiments the connector body includes one or more of a fastener rotatable with respect to the body 1053, a separate trailing body portion 1041, and an outer sleeve 1043.
A nose 1013 that carries the moving conductor 1006 is urged by a force such as a spring force to protrude from the first end 1008 of the body. The fully protruding nose 1013 may be contained within a fastener 1053. In various embodiments, the force may be provided by a resilient member such as a resilient solid or material, spring, gas charged device, or the like. In some embodiments a coil spring 1089 encircles the moving conductor 1006 and is located between the waveguide 1010 and the body first end 1008. And, in some embodiments, end(s) of the spring bear on one or both of the nose and the waveguide.
A disconnect switch includes a centrally located stationary conductor 1004 and the centrally located moving conductor 1006 carried by the nose 1013. The stationary conductor extends from a nose directed end 1024 toward a second body directed end 1034. The moving conductor has opposed outward and inward ends 1036, 1026 protruding from opposed outward and inward sides 1035, 1025 of the nose.
In various embodiments, the stationary conductor is electrically isolated from the connector body 1002 via an insulating member(s) such as an insulating member(s) that extends between the stationary conductor and the body. Exemplary insulating members include annular, adjacent, and supporting structures. In an embodiment, a substantially annular insulator 1051, 1052 is provided. And, in an embodiment, the insulating member provides a cavity 1054 holding the stationary conductor.
The stationary conductor nose directed end 1024 provides a contact such as a socket and the moving conductor inward end provides a mating contact such as a pin 1026. These contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 1013 which operates the disconnect switch. As seen, as the nose 1013 is depressed, the spring 1089 is compressed and the disconnect switch is closed. In some embodiments, the nose includes an annular pocket 1063 that fully contains the spring 1089 when the nose is fully depressed.
A waveguide 1010 is electrically coupled to the body 1002. The waveguide is located within the body 1002 and divides first 1019 and second 1021 body chambers. The moving and stationary conductors are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose advances the moving conductor contact 1026 through the waveguide aperture 1012. In an embodiment, the waveguide bears on a nose directed end 1055 of the insulator 1051.
The trailing portion of the connector body 1041 may provide means for attaching a coaxial cable 1045. Here, a post 1042 is fitted within the trailing body portion and an outer sleeve 1043 is for compressing a deformable body part 1044 against the jacket 1049 of an inserted coaxial cable. In particular, the post is inserted between a cable outer conductor 1047 and a cable dielectric 1050 such that a cable trimmed end exposes a cable center conductor 1046 that is received by a socketed end 1054 of the stationary conductor 1004 that faces the coaxial cable. In various embodiments, the cable center conductor passes through a trailing portion of the stationary conductor insulator 1052 before it engages the stationary conductor.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors 1004, 1006 include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body 1002 (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide 1010 includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s).
In some embodiments, the nose provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Exemplary electromagnetic shields include a nose metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 1000A is not mated and the nose 1013 is fully extended such that the disconnect switch is open, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 1006, 1004 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1026, 1024 within the aperture 1012 when the connector nose 1013 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 1026 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1026, 1024 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 1013 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 1026 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 1024 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
The connector body 1102 extends from a first end such as a male connector mating end or fastener end 1108 to a second end such as a coaxial cable 1145 entry end 1109. In various embodiments the connector body includes one or more of a) a forward body portion such as a fastener end 1162 that includes a grasping means such as a resilient bail 1161 for grasping a mating female connector, b) a separate trailing body portion 1141, and c) an outer compression sleeve 1199.
Within the body 1102 a disconnect switch incorporates the moving conductor and the stationary conductor. The moving conductor 1106 carried by a spring 1189 urged nose 1113. A moving conductor outward end 1136 is for engaging a socket of a mating female connector. The stationary conductor 1104 is supported by an insulator 1151. Adjacent contacts 1126, 1124 of the moving and stationary contacts mate when the nose 1113 is depressed. Also within the body is the waveguide 1110 with a central aperture 1112 for receiving a conductor.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 1100A is not mated and the nose 1113 is fully extended such that the disconnect switch is open, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 1106, 1104 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1126, 1124 within the waveguide aperture 1112 when the connector nose 1113 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 1126 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1126, 1124 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 1113 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 1126 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 1124 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
The connector is arranged with a leading fastener 1102 and a trailing grip 1104. Grip parts include a grip body 1118 and a grip post 1119. The grip post 1119 is inserted in the body 1118 and in the fastener such that the post rotatably couples the fastener and the grip.
The ram 1112 is inserted in the fastener and a spring 1114 encircling the post tends to urge or project a ram free end 1113 from a mouth 1103 of the fastener. The ram free end includes an aperture 1110 which may be configured as a waveguide with dimensions similar to those mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the ram 1112, free end aperture 1110, a coaxial cable center conductor 1116, spring 1114, body 1118, post 1119, and fastener 1102 are in coaxial arrangement.
In an exemplary configuration, a ram 1112 such as a metallic or metal containing ram provides an electromagnetic shield about a coaxial cable 1106 center conductor free end 1116 when the free end 1113 protrudes (
The connector grip 1104 may include a rear shell 1122 enclosing a deformable ring 1120. In various embodiments, movement of the rear shell toward the fastener 1102 deforms the metal ring such that an inserted coaxial cable 1106 is gripped or concentrically gripped by the ring. And, in various embodiments, the ring is fixed within the connector such as fixation via a shoulder 1123 of the rear shell.
The connector is arranged with a leading fastener 1142 and a trailing grip 1144. Grip parts include a grip body 1158 and a grip post 1159. The grip post 1159 is inserted in the body and in the fastener and the fastener is rotatably mounted on the body.
The ram 1152 is inserted in the fastener and a spring 1154 encircling the body 1158 and the post 1159 tends to urge or project a ram free end 1153 from a mouth 1143 of the fastener. The ram free end includes an aperture 1150 which may be configured as a waveguide with dimensions similar to those mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the ram 1152, free end aperture 1150, a coaxial cable center conductor 1116 (see
In an exemplary configuration, a ram 1152 such as a metallic or metal containing ram provides an electromagnetic shield about a coaxial cable 1106 center conductor free end 1116 (see
The connector grip 1144 may include a rear shell 1162 including a plug portion 1163 and a collar portion 1165 joined by a frangible connection 1164. As skilled artisans will appreciate, when the rear shell is moved toward the fastener 1142, the frangible connection breaks and the plug is inserted between the body 1158 and an inserted coaxial cable 1106. The collar 1165 may encircle the body 1158 and remain on the connector during and after this operation.
The connector 1200A also includes insulating part(s) that isolate the stationary 1204 and moving 1206 conductors from the body 1202. For example, a nose 1213 or portions of the nose may be electrical insulators.
The connector body 1202 has a first end 1208 at a female port 1242 and a second end 1209 at a male connection 1243. The nose 1213 is urged by a force to protrude from the first end 1208 of the body. In various embodiments, the force may be provided by a resilient member such as a resilient solid or material, spring, gas charged device, or the like. In an embodiment a coil spring 1289 encircles the moving conductor 1206 and is located between the waveguide 1210 and the body first end 1208.
The nose 1213 carries the moving conductor 1206 in a nose cavity 1281. In some embodiments the nose includes a nose internal cap 1283 on which a spring such as the coil spring 1289 bears.
A disconnect switch includes the stationary conductor 1204 and the moving conductor 1206. In various embodiments, the stationary conductor is electrically isolated from the connector body 1202 via a unitary or separable part insulating member such as an adjacent or supporting and/or substantially annular insulator 1276, 1277. Some embodiments provide an insulator cavity 1278 for holding the stationary conductor.
The stationary conductor 1204 includes a terminal or center pin portion 1234 that is in the form of a center pin extending from a fastener 1241 near the connector second or male end 1209. The moving conductor 1206 includes a socket 1236 near the first body end 1208. The socket 1236 is for receiving a mating coaxial connector center pin and is accessible via a nose central passage or entryway 1214 seen in an outer face 1278 of the nose.
A stationary conductor contact such as a socket 1224 adjoining the terminal 1234 is adjacent to a moving conductor contact such as a pin 1226 and these contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 1213 relative to the body which operates the disconnect switch. As seen, as the nose 1213 is depressed, the spring 1289 is compressed.
An exemplary waveguide 1210 is electrically coupled to the body 1202 and/or to a similar electromagnetic shield either within or without the body. As shown, the waveguide 1210 is located within the body 1202 and divides first 1219 and second 1221 body chambers. Here and elsewhere in this specification, a waveguide dividing a connector body into separate chambers similar to these may be referred to as a midbody waveguide. The moving and stationary conductors 1206, 1204 are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose 1213 advances the moving conductor contact 1226 through the waveguide aperture 1212.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors 1204, 1206 include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body 1202 (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide 1210 includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s).
In some embodiments, the nose 1213 provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Exemplary electromagnetic shields include a nose metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 1200A is not mated, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 1206, 1204 and the disconnect switch attenuates or stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1226, 1224 within the aperture when the connector nose 1213 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 1226 may be so positioned (as shown). Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1226, 1224 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 1213 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 1226 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 1224 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
The connector body 1302 extends from a first end such as a male connector mating end or fastener end 1308 to a second female connector end 1309. In various embodiments the connector includes a male end fastener such as a fastener that is rotatable with respect to the body 1353.
A nose 1313 that carries the moving conductor 1306 is urged by a force such as a spring force to protrude from the first end 1308 of the body. As shown here and elsewhere in this specification the fully protruding nose 1313 may be fully contained within a fastener 1353. In various embodiments, the force may be provided by a resilient member such as a resilient solid or material, spring, gas charged device, or the like. In some embodiments a coil spring 1389 encircles the moving conductor 1306 and is located between the waveguide 1310 and the body first end 1308. And, in some embodiments, end(s) of the spring bear on one or both of the nose and the waveguide.
A disconnect switch includes a centrally located stationary conductor 1304 and the centrally located moving conductor 1306 carried by the nose 1313. The stationary conductor extends via a link 1334 from a nose directed end 1324 toward the body second end 1309. The moving conductor has opposed outward and inward ends 1336, 1326 protruding from opposed outward and inward sides 1335, 1325 of the nose.
In various embodiments, the stationary conductor 1304 is electrically isolated from the connector body 1302 via an insulating member(s) such as an insulating member(s) that extends between the stationary conductor and the body. Exemplary insulating members include annular, adjacent, and supporting structures. In an embodiment, a substantially annular insulator 1351 is provided. As shown, the insulator 1351 may be supported by the connector body 1302.
The stationary conductor nose directed end 1324 provides a contact such as a socket and the moving conductor inward end provides a mating contact such as a pin 1326. These contacts selectively mate according to positioning of the nose 1313 which operates the disconnect switch. As seen, as the nose 1313 is depressed, the spring 1389 is compressed and the disconnect switch is closed. In some embodiments, the nose includes an annular pocket 1363 that may fully contain the spring 1389 when the nose is fully depressed.
A waveguide 1310 is electrically coupled to the body 1302, for example by fitment to the body inside wall 1349. The waveguide may have shoulders or a bore 1357 for fitment about a knob 1359 of the insulator 1351.
The waveguide is located within the body 1302 and divides first 1319 and second 1321 body chambers. The moving and stationary conductors 1304, 1306 are located substantially to either side of the waveguide such that depressing the nose advances the moving conductor contact 1326 through the waveguide aperture 1312. In an embodiment, the waveguide bears on a nose directed end 1355 of the insulator 1351.
Opposite the male fastener end of the connector 1361 is a female end of the connector such as an externally threaded end 1362. A female end insulator 1342 supported by the connector body 1302 receives a socket 1341 of the stationary conductor 1304. The socket is interconnected with the stationary conductor contact 1324 via a link 1334. A passage or entryway in the female end insulator 1343 provides access to the socket.
In various embodiments, the connector conductors 1304, 1306 include or are made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s) such as copper and copper alloys. In various embodiments, the connector body 1302 (or a sleeve encircling the body, not shown) includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s). In various embodiments, the waveguide 1310 includes or is made from metal(s) or metal alloy(s).
In some embodiments, the nose provides an electromagnetic shield, for example via inclusion of metal(s) or metal alloy(s). Exemplary electromagnetic shields include a nose metal cap, coating, or layer covering an exterior of the nose, metal in a nose matrix material such as plastic, a metallic nose insulated from the integral moving conductor, and the like.
As skilled artisans will recognize, when the connector 1300A is not mated and the nose 1313 is fully extended such that the disconnect switch is open, the waveguide attenuates signal flow via RF free space transmission between the moving and stationary conductors 1306, 1304 and the disconnect switch stops signal flow via conduction between the moving and stationary conductors. In various embodiments, waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1326, 1324 within the aperture 1312 when the connector nose 1313 is fully extended. For example, the moving conductor contact 1326 may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. And, in various embodiments waveguide performance may be enhanced by positioning a conductor contact 1326, 1324 to one side of the aperture when the connector nose 1313 is fully extended. For example, the stationary conductor may be so positioned. Such positioning may enhance grounding of stray signals. In an embodiment, the moving contact 1326 is positioned within the aperture and the stationary contact 1324 is positioned to one side of the aperture. And, in an embodiment, the waveguide is located between the stationary and moving contacts.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/588,663 filed May 7, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/264,430 filed Sep. 13, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,647,394) which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/827,436 filed Aug. 17, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,444,197) which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/494,488 filed Sep. 23, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,112,323). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/494,488 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/489,406 filed Jun. 5, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,658) and Ser. No. 13/723,800 filed Dec. 21, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,048,600), both of which claim the benefit of U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/612,922 filed Mar. 19, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/494,488 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/069,221 filed Oct. 31, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,178,317) which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/712,828 filed Dec. 12, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 61/620,355 filed Apr. 4, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/949,488 claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. App. Nos. 61/969,204 filed Mar. 23, 2014 and 62/039,169 filed Aug. 19, 2014. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein, in their entireties and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61612922 | Mar 2012 | US | |
| 61612922 | Mar 2012 | US | |
| 61620355 | Apr 2012 | US | |
| 61969204 | Mar 2014 | US | |
| 62039169 | Aug 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15588663 | May 2017 | US |
| Child | 16200249 | US | |
| Parent | 15264430 | Sep 2016 | US |
| Child | 15588663 | US | |
| Parent | 14827436 | Aug 2015 | US |
| Child | 15264430 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14494488 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Child | 14827436 | US | |
| Parent | 13489406 | Jun 2012 | US |
| Child | 14494488 | US | |
| Parent | 13723800 | Dec 2012 | US |
| Child | 14494488 | US | |
| Parent | 14069221 | Oct 2013 | US |
| Child | 14494488 | US | |
| Parent | 13712828 | Dec 2012 | US |
| Child | 14069221 | US |
